Giffords Lauds Washington Governor for Signing Law Banning Large-Capacity Magazines and Strengthening Ghost Gun Regulations
Washington, DC — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, lauded Washington Governor Jay Inslee for signing critical legislation that bans large-capacity magazines and strengthens Washington’s existing laws on ghost guns. SB 5078 bans magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition, while HB 1705 bans ghost guns in the state. Senator Marko Liias and Representative Liz Berry demonstrated critical leadership in bringing this lifesaving legislation to the governor’s desk.
“Over the last decade, my former legislative director Liz Berry has become a powerful voice in the fight against gun violence, and the state of Washington is a safer place to call home because of her leadership,” said former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “Liz’s bill to ban ghost guns will save lives and the proposed limits on high-capacity magazines will save lives. I am proud of her courage to share the story of those we lost on January 8, 2011, as she stands up for what is right.”
“Ghost guns have posed a rising threat for years, supplying the illegal gun market and undermining the most basic gun safety laws,” said David Pucino, Giffords Law Center Deputy Chief Counsel. “Because one can buy all the parts needed to build a ghost gun without a background check, ghost guns provide a ready means that people who are prohibited from possessing firearms can use to obtain a gun. By signing these bills, Governor Inslee has made a powerful commitment to stop the proliferation of these deadly weapons and taken an important step to stem the tide of violence. We are grateful to the governor and to the legislature for their actions today.”
Ghost guns are untraceable by law enforcement and can be obtained without a background check. These guns pose a grave threat to public safety, and people who are legally prohibited from owning firearms are able to create them without consequences in most states. The Biden administration has committed to closing the loopholes in federal law that have allowed ghost guns to proliferate, but the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has delayed in finalizing the rule that will enact that critical change. This legislation will help protect the people of Washington state even as we wait on ATF.